Key West - Another State of Mind

Key West is the last Florida key, and a beautiful quirky key, located in a string of islands known as the Florida Keys. It is often referred to as "The Last Resort", because of its location in the southernmost point of the continental U.S. There’s even a monument for the southernmost point.

Did you know that The Florida Keys seceded from the United States in 1982 and became the "Conch Republic"? This secession began as an act in response to a U.S. Border Patrol Blockade, which basically cut off Florida Keys residents from the mainland. You can learn all about it by typing in "Conch Republic" at your favorite search engine. It's quite an interesting tale.

People who live in the Florida Keys consider themselves both Americans and Conchs. Both flags are displayed and every April, a week-long celebration takes place to celebrate their Independence. Conch's are passionate about being a Conch, so if you're planning a visit to Key West, be certain to do your homework on this topic.

Technically, the Florida Keys are their own country and different laws apply. They have their own Government, Navy, and official Passport. While Key West residents are fierce about their independence, they are also fun-loving and passionate about having a good time.

Key West is one of the most exotic and beautiful places on Earth. Approximately 27,000 people are full time residents. The majority are laid-back and friendly people, who enjoy the coastal lifestyle and sharing it with tourists.

If you want to read about the history of Key West, numerous resources are available via the Internet. Type in "Key West" or "Conch Republic" and you'll be well on your way to learning about this tropical paradise.

Since Key West is an island, the majority of homes are considered beach houses. This makes it pretty easy to locate a beach house in nearly any area you wish to visit. Most are beautifully decorated in the bright and spicy colors of the Caribbean. Selections include historic homes, cozy cottages, tropical estates, and even private island homes!

Key West offers an abundance of restaurants, unique boutiques, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. It is also a fabulous location to simply relax. Jimmy Buffet wrote many songs about kicking back in Key West – there’s a reason for that!

If you’ve never been to Key West, do a little research, learn about the history, and consider a visit. Be sure to take the Conch train when you arrive for a tour of the island. Rent a moped, and travel all over. Sip a Margarita, enjoy the sunset, and have fun!

James Tutten is a professional photographer and graphic artist. He and his wife Terri are passionate about travel, and share their adventures at Traveling Tuttens. For budget travel tips, and to see some award winning photography of their world adventures be sure to visit Traveling Tuttens.